Southern Miss is preparing for the upcoming men's basketball season with a roster that looks markedly different from a year ago. The team has been working out of high school gyms while Reed Green Coliseum undergoes renovations, a temporary set‑up that has forced players and coaches to adapt quickly.
Practice in exile
The temporary relocation to local high school facilities has not dampened the squad's spirit. Instead, it has become a rallying point, with Coach Jay Ladner repeatedly praising the group's hard work and togetherness during the first three weeks of summer workouts.
Ladner emphasized that the players have embraced the unusual circumstances, using the limited space as a crucible to sharpen their skills and build chemistry before the season begins.
Key additions
A dozen transfers arrived this spring, giving the program a fresh infusion of talent. Among them is Antony Igeedee, a Division II standout from West Florida who averaged 15 points per game last season and ranked second on his team in three‑point shooting. Ladner noted that Igeedee's shooting prowess directly addresses the team's need for better outside production.
Igeedee's transition has been smooth, as he has quickly bonded with returning players and coaching staff, integrating into the group both on and off the court.
Another cornerstone is junior Brewer Carruth, the program's longest‑tenured player. Carruth's experience and leadership are viewed as contagious, providing a steadying presence for a squad that features many newcomers.
Ladner highlighted the rarity of retaining a player like Carruth for three or four years in today's college basketball landscape, underscoring the value of his institutional knowledge and work ethic.
Looking ahead
The Golden Eagles are scheduled to reconvene later this month to begin fall preparations, a critical period that will shape the team's identity ahead of Sun Belt Conference play. With a blend of seasoned leadership and fresh talent, Southern Miss hopes to translate its summer progress into on‑court success.